Umi no Hi

Soon will be the Ocean Day (海の日 umi no hi) here in Japan.

This is a Japanese national holiday celebrated on the third Monday in July, so this year will be the 15^th.

In 1874, the Japanese Meiji government commissioned to Robert Napier & Sons, a Scottish shipyard, the construction of the Meiji-Maru, a lighthouse service steamship.

The ship's name originates from the one selected by 16-year-old Emperor Mutsuhito.

"Meiji" meaning "enlightened rule" and it is the name for his era of reign. "Maru" is the suffix attached to the names of most Japanese ships, and is thought to come from a similar ending which was added as a term of endearment to cherished possessions like boy's names and swords.

When the ship was completed in 1876, the Emperor used it to take an inspection tour of northeastern Japan, around the Tōhoku region, starting in Aomori, briefly stop in Hakodate, and ending in Yokohama on July 20^th .

Even if the origins of this holiday extend back to the late 19th century, it was in the 1941 that, in honor of that day, the Marine Memorial Day (海の記念日 umi no kinenbi, July 20^th), was proposed by the Communication Minister, Shozo Murata, to commemorate the Emperor's safe voyage on the Meiji-Maru.

But, it still would not become a national holiday until 1996, renamed Ocean Day.

Though it was originally observed on July 20^th, in 2003 it was moved to the third Monday in July. This was due to the Happy Monday System legislation (ハッピーマンデー制度), which tried to move some holidays to make more three day weekends.

This holiday has the meaning to thanks the ocean for its blessings (seafood), and to wish for the prosperity of Japan.

In fact, Japan is surrounded by the sea, made up of 6852 small and large islands, and the marine products supply Japan with an abundant food source.

The sea also has a great influence on the country’s environment and climate and since ancient times, foreign cultures have been introduced to Japan by way of the sea.

The Ocean Day is the first holiday in the summer months. The raining season over and the hot long days come. Most of the schools close and there is a feeling that summer is start.

To celebrate both the Ocean Day and the starting of summer, a lot of people use this vacation to go to the see.

During the twelve days between July 20^th and 31^st, called Marine Season (Umi no shunkan 海の旬間), various events are held in many parts of the country, including presentations on marine research, public visits to marine institutes, concerts on the water, and so on.

Note:

In 1898 the Meiji-Maru was changed to a full-rigged ship and used for more than 50 years as a moored training vessel by Tokyo Nautical School. She was retired from service in 1964 and moved to her present site at Tokyo University of Mercantile Marine, but after being used to train more than 5,000 cadets had fallen into disrepair. In 1978 she was designated as an "Important Cultural Property of Japan" and an eight-year plan was drawn up to restore Japan's oldest surviving iron ship to its original glory. Today, she is preserved as a monument of Japanese shipbuilding technology and seamanship from the Meiji era.

On July 20th, the Meiji-Maru opens to the public and special events will be held at the Tokyo University of Mercantile Marine to celebrate the Ocean Day, including a special lecture entitled "The Voyage of Dutch Ship 'Die Liefde,' which reached Japan in 1600."